Daily Meditation: Thursday, May 6, 2004

Charity - rediscover the original meaning of this word

05/06/2004

In its original sense, charity, which is a theological virtue, refers to the love of man for God, which of necessity calls for neighbourly love. Unfortunately, this word has lost its sublime significance over time, and what we now call ‘charity' is expressed in actions which may not be accompanied by feelings of true love. Many people ‘do charitable works' because their church and family have taught them that they must give to the poor, help the unfortunate, and so on. Charity is thus often the product of one's training, but has nothing to do with goodness. How many ‘charitable' people poison the lives of their family and friends! There are many of these charitable people, but we meet very few who are truly good. Christians, therefore, must make the effort to rediscover the original meaning of the word ‘charity', for those who love God must also love Him through their neighbour.